Researchers who have been gathering data to determine whether racial-, ethnic- and other bias-based policing is a problem in Lawrence and Douglas County will present their preliminary findings on Monday, Aug. 9.
The study asked law enforcement officers from Baldwin City, Eudora, Lawrence and University of Kansas police departments and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to gather data on the demographics of drivers and pedestrians they contacted, the reasons why, plus the results of the stops — whether someone was let go with a warning, ticketed, searched, arrested and so on.
Data collection started Jan. 1, 2020, according to a news release from Douglas County. It took longer than initially planned because activity slowed so much with the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers needed a larger sample size.
Researchers Jack McDevitt, of Northeastern University, and Janice Iwama, of American University, will present the data during a Zoom meeting for the community at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9. Find more information to participate at this link.
The researchers will also present information during the Douglas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s meeting at 11 a.m. the following day, Tuesday, Aug. 10. That meeting will be held via Zoom. Find the agenda and link to the Zoom meeting at this link.
Note: Article updated at 1:37 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, to reflect that CJCC meeting will be via Zoom only
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Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
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